How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. why are adhd assessments so expensive will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you might be able to get it. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you an expert for an evaluation. For adults, it is particularly important to make a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary, you should begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a long process, and you could wait for years to get an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be directed to a private service via this route.
If are adhd assessments covered by insurance decide to go this route, your GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years of age. The specialist will then give you an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any options for medication and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
It could take for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the company to which you are referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using standardised questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with family members as well as teachers and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that may include a range of tests like psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS however, it's important to know that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in different areas of life such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you get your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will examine your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions regarding your present and previous behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then write down examples of how you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. are adhd assessments covered by insurance can lead to various treatment options and provide an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.